Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt says manager Steve Coppell deserves the England job.

Hunt, 26, who has just signed a new three-year deal, told The Sun: "Everyone at Reading hopes he will stay with us for a good while yet as he is such a good manager.

"But if the right opportunity comes along, maybe he will go one day.

"He is probably the leading candidate to take over from Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He did well for United and the fans still love him.

"But I think he would also be a top candidate for the England job, perfect for it.

"International football is different from club football and not all managers can make the switch.

"But the gaffer is very tactically astute and a very good motivator. In an environment where he would not see his players much, he'd still get the best out of them."

Hunt also insists Coppell is far from dour, even though he struggles to raise a smile during his post-match interviews.

He added: "The public only see him in Press conferences but he is not paid to be a comedian on TV.

"He joins in the dressing room banter and has a very dry sense of humour."